On the occasion of Spanish Language Day on Saturday, Instituto Cervantes gave Delhiites a glimpse of the culture, art and history of the Spanish-speaking countries through films, dance shows, exhibition and cuisine at its Hanuman Road premises here.
Addressing the visitors, Cervantes Director Oscar Pujol said the annual event was designed to give people from diverse cultural and professional background an idea about the rich cultural heritage of Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru, Venezuela and Paraguay. “It is important that the event helps in uniting the people living in Spanish-speaking countries. To encourage people to take up a Spanish-speaking course, Instituto Cervantes is simultaneously hosting cultural events in Beijing, Tokyo, London, Sydney, Paris and Moscow. We have to make people in these countries realise the importance of learning our language. Even in the Indian context some words in Sanskrit are similar to Spanish. So it will be easier for Indians to become fluent in this European language.”
The “Latin America” mela saw the participation of Spanish-speaking countries. Pamphlets on tourism-related activities were handed to visitors by representatives of different Embassies.
The main event of the day was inauguration of a two-month-long exhibition of cartoons by the late Goan caricaturist Mario Miranda. For this exhibition, Mario visited the Spanish countryside, museums and castles. The exhibition is also displaying the work of Spanish writer Ramon Gómez de la Serna.
Screening of short Latin American films, a dance performance, a workshop and the traditional “San Juan Night Festival” saw the participation of youngsters, most of whom are learning Spanish.
